Causes and Consequences of Preterm Birth, A Systematic Review

Abstract

To systematically review the potential causes and possible effects of preterm birth [<37 weeks gestational duration]. We searched PubMed, google scholar, clinicaltrials.gov and science direct for English language articles published from 2004 to march 2021. All kinds of study schemes were considered acceptable, comprising case –control, cohort studies, experimental and cross- sectional studies. Significant evidences indicate that social stress, elevated cadmium exposure, genomic variations, vitamin D deficiency, pre-conception hepatitis B infection, declined vaginal microbial community, intrauterine infection, reduction in cervical consistency index, strong exposure of creatinine corrected thallium, systemic autoimmune diseases, ozone, primary traffic air pollutants, road traffic noise, potential exposure of arsenic, HIV exposure, maternal thyroid dysfunction, maternal plasma protein level and COVID-19 exposure in pregnant females are the major risk factors for PTBs. Results of earlier investigations indicated prominent risk of insulin resistance, hypertension, neurological defects, heart failure, Chronic kidney disease, Lung function impairment, lower birth weight, thalamocortical system defects, cancer, altered cardiac phenotype and cardio metabolic diseases in survivors of preterm births. This review will help clinicians to isolate the fundamental etiology and to proactively identify, cope and improve outcomes of at-risk pregnancies.